1949 Mercury Customized Convertible
01
Artifact Overview
Long, low, and well rounded, stock 1949-51 Mercurys became the favorite cars of 1950s customizers. When lowered even more and smoothed out by filling body seams with lead, these Mercs were called "lead sleds." This car shows many early customizing techniques. It was updated in the 1960s with sparkly Metalflake paint and blue "scallops."
Artifact Details
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1949
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Manufactured by the Lincoln Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company with customization by Barris Kustom Industries of North Hollywood, California. Carson Top Shop in Los Angeles, California made the convertible top.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
92.110.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Leather
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Chromium
Technique
Customizing
Color
Purple
Blue
White (Color)
Inscriptions
Left and right fenders: Barris Kustom Crests
Specifications
Make & Model: 1949 Mercury convertible
Maker: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, and Barris Kustom Industries, North Hollywood, California
Engine: V-8, L-head valves, 276 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Height: 53.5 inches
Wheelbase: 118 inches
Width: 74 inches
Overall length: 207
Weight: 3800 pounds
Horsepower: 280
Pounds per horsepower: 13.6
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